USPS Prepaid Flat-Rate Priority Mail FOREVER Postage

[J0eybb]

Flat Rates and Forever® Postage
Make Shipping Even Simpler

Prepaid Forever Priority Mail Flat Rate™ Packaging…
now available for order.
Looking to save time and money on shipping? The Postal Service™ has made it easier with Prepaid Forever Priority Mail Flat Rate Packaging. You’ll get the same Flat Rate Shipping with the added convenience of “Forever” postage already applied.

Our convenient Flat Rates already eliminate weighing and guesswork. And postage-paid packaging makes your shipping tasks even easier. So stock up now… and pay the same Flat Rate.

Small flatrate boxes are $5.20. Saw this on SD, and figured the guys tht ship enough will get good use out of this.

http://www.usps.com/shipping/prepaid.htm

[EricF]

These look interesting. May have to look into them!

[kydsid]

But that is more than the current price for online flat rate? I guess this means they are going to raise the flat rate price again. Sigh.

[J0eybb]

Originally Posted by kydsid

But that is more than the current price for online flat rate? I guess this means they are going to raise the flat rate price again. Sigh.

This is what I got from it. I guess the advantage is its prestamped. Maybe if you buy them now, and use them in 5 years.... who knows.

I bought books of foreverstamps when they came out, and sat on them till stamps went up, but it was for convienece, not to save money.

[CigarNut]

It's not really a savings for me... The boxes are free today and postage costs $5.00 for a small FR box.

In both cases you need a box and you have to print a label, so this new prepaid packaging boils down to 20cent charge for the (small flat rate) box...

[OLS]

If the USPS is promoting it it has to be a scam. From the people who brought you
entrenched counter beauracracy and attitude you can't do anything about. Unless you
want your package kicked across the room. I know, I know, tell us how you really feel.

[J0eybb]

My wife uses the current flat rates, and ships them regular. Depends on the weight.

[chippewastud79]

Its $5.20 currently to ship in person (which I usually do), so it seems to be a deal if there is an impending rate hike.

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by J0eybb

My wife uses the current flat rates, and ships them regular. Depends on the weight.

Not true. Flat Rate boxes are fixed price -- $5 (online) for small, $10.95 (online) for medium, and $14.95 (online) for large -- independent of weight -- although I think there is a max of 70lbs which would only impact those shippling lead or gold

Originally Posted by chippewastud79

Its $5.20 currently to ship in person (which I usually do), so it seems to be a deal if there is an impending rate hike.

They just did a rate increase a couple of months ago, increasing the online price from $4.85 to $5.00. I am hoping that the price will remain unchanged for a little while longer...

[J0eybb]

Originally Posted by CigarNut

Not true. Flat Rate boxes are fixed price (online vs. counter) -- $5 for small, $10.95 for medium, and $14.95 for large -- independent of weight -- although I think there is a max of 70lbs which would only impact those shippling lead or gold

They just did a rate increase i couple of months ago, increasing the online price from $4.85 to $5.00. I am hoping that the price will remain unchanged for a little while longer...

My wife wraps the box in brown shipping paper. instantly cheaper... lol

I didn't even know it was $5.00 I thought it was still $4.85.

[T.G]

Originally Posted by CigarNut

Not true. Flat Rate boxes are fixed price -- $5 (online) for small, $10.95 (online) for medium, and $14.95 (online) for large -- independent of weight -- although I think there is a max of 70lbs which would only impact those shippling lead or gold

Or a large FRB full of concrete, like one of my friends from another forum did to someone as part of a secret trick or treat trades. One of the best gags I've seen. Doubly funny as heck to see the photo series from the recipient as he got the box and busted it open only to find a few dog cigars that had been placed right into the concrete without a bag (that was the trick - a very nice treat was sent separately).

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by chippewastud79

Its $5.20 currently to ship in person (which I usually do), so it seems to be a deal if there is an impending rate hike.

If you print your label online it is a lot easier to do it online and deliver the package to either your letter carrier, collection box, or post office than it is to wait in line...

[chippewastud79]

Originally Posted by CigarNut

If you print your label online it is a lot easier to do it online and deliver the package to either your letter carrier, collection box, or post office than it is to wait in line...

Living in a condo, with an out-box for only letters, I cannot arrange pickup. For me, the post office was my only option and I have no problem stopping by.

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by chippewastud79

Living in a condo, with an out-box for only letters, I cannot arrange pickup. For me, the post office was my only option and I have no problem stopping by.

I don't use the carrier pick up either... If I see my letter carrier I will give any packages to them. Otherwise I drive them over to the post office. If you pay online they allow you to leave the packages on the loading dock -- which get picked up more frequently than the collection bins out front. I just hate waiting in line at the post office so I do everything I can to avoid it...

[wayner123]

Originally Posted by chippewastud79

Living in a condo, with an out-box for only letters, I cannot arrange pickup. For me, the post office was my only option and I have no problem stopping by.

You don't have to have an out box. You can simply arrange for a pick-up and on the online form check the box that the package is inside the house. The biggest problem with this, is that you must be home at whatever time of day the person comes by and gets it.

Also, shipping a flat rate box covered with paper is in conflict with the agreement you checked when getting the boxes for free.

Online also has free DC. The flat rate envelope is the best option.

[elderboy02]

Originally Posted by chippewastud79

Living in a condo, with an out-box for only letters, I cannot arrange pickup. For me, the post office was my only option and I have no problem stopping by.

If you request a pickup, you can leave it on your front porch. They will pick it up.

[BlindedByScience]

Originally Posted by CigarNut

If you print your label online it is a lot easier to do it online and deliver the package to either your letter carrier, collection box, or post office than it is to wait in line...

...I've always found it interesting that you can't print an on line "Click and Ship" label for a flat rate box....until you enter the weight....

[emopunker2004]

Originally Posted by NotFromHere

...I've always found it interesting that you can't print an on line "Click and Ship" label for a flat rate box....until you enter the weight....

I'm sure it has to do with the loading of the trucks

[NCRadioMan]

In 10 years when shipping will probably be $10+, this would be a good investment.

I can see a postage black market starting. Hmmmm

[Bunker]

If you got a quantaty discount it might be worth it, but the price doesn't change (at least for the LFR).

It is still cheaper to print your own postage. ($14.20)

My mail carrier will take boxes for me, or I just print my lables and hand them to the postal worker at the counter.